Audi Q7 bookings open ahead of January launch

The updated Q7 packs in a newer generation of Audi’s MMI system with a total of three screens onboard!

Audi has begun accepting bookings for its upcoming SUV, the Q7. The three-row SUV will be the first launch from Audi in 2022, and it will be offered in two variants: Premium Plus and Technology. You can make a booking by visiting Audi’s website and putting down a Rs. 5 lakh deposit.

The Q7 will be offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, keeping in line with the VW Group’s petrol-only strategy for India. It’s good for 335bhp and 500Nm, and all that drive will be channeled via a an 8-speed torque converter (automatic) and Audi’s quattro AWD system to all four wheels. All of this means that the Q7 will be able to sprint from 0-100km/h print in just 5.9 seconds.

Previously, the Q7 sold in India was the second-gen model, and what we are going to be getting now is a facelift of that. While the overall shape of the Q7 remains the same, there are several minor updates that change things quite a bit. The grille’s larger and is surrounded by a thick slab of chrome. The headlamps have been redesigned as well and get a new DRL signature. Just like the front, the tail lamps too have been revamped and so have both the bumpers and the alloy wheels.

The biggest changes are however found on the inside. The cabin feels all new. First up are the screens, of which, there are three. The digital instrument cluster is an upgraded version of the one found in the pre-facelift Q7. The infotainment touchscreen is now embedded into the dashboard, rather than sitting on top of it. It’s a crisp HD display that measures 10.1-inches diagonally. The last screen sits below that, and this is the new one. It controls features like ventilated seats, climate control and etc. This means that Audi has done away with most of the physical buttons to control many features.

Overall, the dashboard has been redesigned, the steering wheel is new and you’ll find that Audi’s upped the game when it comes to quality of materials used for the interior.

The Q7 was always a handsomely equipped car. The pre-facelift model got a panoramic sunroof, a 4-zone climate control, parking assist and many more such features. The facelifted Q7’s biggest update is the overall switch to a newer version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system, and MATRIX LED headlights. It will in also get air suspension, drive modes, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a 360 degree camrea and ambient lighting with 30 colour options.

The Audi Q7 is expected to be launched sometime in January, and its production has already commenced at the VW Group’s Aurangabad manufacturing facility. We expect it to be priced between Rs. 75 lakh and Rs. 80 lakh (both ex-showroom), and in that price range, it will rival the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 and the Range Rover Velar.